MCC Appalachia Build
MCC Appalachia Build (formerly SWAP) is a home repair ministry program in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Volunteers help families make their homes safe, warm and dry, while building relationships and learning about Appalachia.
Get involved
There are many ways to get involved with MCC Appalachia Build!
Frequently asked questions
A service and learning program of MCC Great Lakes, MCC Appalachia Build provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for schools, universities, churches, families, groups and individuals.
Participants should be 15 years or older. You can, however, call the office to inquire about younger participants.
MCC Appalachia Build experiences often run in the summer. Experiences can also be arranged during non-summer months and are great options for retirees!
You will be provided with orientation materials that include group activities focused on working in another culture and on viewing service as relationship building and an opportunity for mutual learning, Bible study and prayer.
Once you get started, a typical MCC Appalachia Build week runs from Monday evening through Saturday morning.
“This week, and the training ahead of time, has given me an appreciation for this unique region and the many different people and cultures that have made it their home. I believe I have caught a glimpse of God’s heart of love for the poor, exploited, misunderstood and overlooked.”—Aaron Kauffman, volunteer from Virginia Mennonite Missions, reflecting on his experience serving with MCC Appalachia Build.
MCC Appalachia Build pre-selects all clients and work projects, providing building materials to complete the project. In most cases, MCC Appalachia Build will provide the necessary tools for volunteer jobs.
MCC Appalachia Build provides food and lodging for participants once they’re on site.
MCC Appalachia Build staff will facilitate evening worship and learning sessions. Evening programs may include presenters from the local community, a locally hosted dinner, or a local cultural or music event.
A typical MCC Appalachia Build week costs $400 USD per person. The cost covers three meals a day, lodging and materials for homeowners who cannot afford the cost of their home repairs.
Prices are adjusted for groups that come for shorter or longer periods. Call for specific pricing.
Once a group application is approved, the MCC Appalachia Build office will send the group leader a payment arrangement agreement that must be signed and returned within three business days.
Fill out this registration form and MCC Appalachia Build will be in touch with you to go over the details.
You can reach us by phone or email:
Office: (606) 634-4418
AppalachiaAdmin@mcc.org
Or send mail to:
MCC Appalachia Office
PO Box 406
Elkhorn City, KY 41522
United States
A glimpse into Appalachia
MCC Appalachia Build serves vulnerable communities in some of the most economically distressed counties in the nation. Recent flooding in Appalachia has made MCC Appalachia Build’s home repair work even more critical.
30.1%
people live below the federal poverty line in Pike County, KY.
31.7%
people live below the federal poverty line in McDowell County, WV.
23.2%
people with a disability under age 65 in Pike County, KY.
2/3
of people in McDowell County, WV don't have access to clean drinking water.
MCC Appalachia Build stories
MCC Appalachia Build is so much more than home repair projects. Read about how the lives of volunteers and homeowners are changed through MCC Appalachia Build.
MCC program in Appalachia changes name
Learn about MCC Appalachia Build (formerly SWAP)- Poverty Reduction
Building a roof while breaking down walls
Learn about SWAP- Poverty Reduction
History unveiled in Appalachia
Learn about SWAP in Appalachia- Justice and Equity
SWAP program changes locations in response to flooding and needs
- Disaster response
Want to know more?
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